Local governments preparing for solar eclipse as if it were a natural disaster

With the solar eclipse just weeks away, cities along the event's path are preparing as if bracing to face a natural disaster.

Some are declaring "local disasters." Others are sidelining government employees to tackle eclipse-related projects. Still more continue to search for wiggle room in their budgets; anticipating the need to make repairs, finance inflated first-response teams and clear leftover debris.

With as many as 7.4 million Americans expected to visit the eclipse's so-called "path of totality," local governments (many in rural areas, which typically receive minimal traffic) have no doubt their towns will bear some financial burden.

This will likely be offset in part, however, by the commercial benefits that accompany an influx of visitors; many retailers are even offering special deals to consumers the day of the event.

Here's a look at the financial toll (and gain) some local municipalities across the country predict, and how their officials are fighting to ensure their governments are prepared.

With as many as 100,000 people expected, the county says the declaration has been issued due to the risk of "public safety, financial damage, labor costs, and the cost of cleanup and property damage."

“The disaster declaration is a step that can be taken in anticipation of a disaster," said Payette County Emergency Manager Lt. Andy Creech in a press release. "This step is a precautionary measure that activates response plans in preparation for the event.”

In Nebraska, the state's Emergency Management Agency has taken on the responsibility of spearheading the area's preparations, Sinclair's KHGI reports.

“In emergency management, we prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” said Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Operations Manager Earl Imler. “By considering challenges that could arise with the influx of the predicted 100,000 to 400,000 visitors to the state, we have developed plans for helping local jurisdictions in the path of totality should any of those incidents occur.”

In Kentucky's rural Christian County, preparations for the influx of visitors include bolstering emergency services, upgrades to the local airport and even the stationing of some National Guard troops.

Raking in the cash for local entities are a music festival, bourbon tasting, and multitude of hotel bookings -- most establishments are completely full.

All in all, the eclipse is estimated to have a $300 million impact on the area, the AP reported.